Automatic voter registration takes hold on West Coast

The idea has plenty of critics, who worry it will lead to more errors in voter registration databases, and could be especially problematic in the 12 states — including California — that grant driving privileges to people who can't prove they're legally in the United States.

Recent election changes in GOP-dominated states have often gone in the other direction, requiring voters to take more steps to cast ballots such as showing photo identification or showing proof of citizenship at the time of registration.

Republicans say these efforts are intended to prevent voter fraud and secure public confidence in elections, but Democrats say they're efforts to limit access to the ballot.

"Voter registration was put in place in the U.S. in the 1870s and the 1880s — and the historical record is very clear — first to hold out Catholics, southern European immigrants and to push African Americans off the rolls," he said.

Once registered, potential voters will begin getting mail and telephone calls they've never received before, from campaigns and election administrators alike.

State officials are scheduled to release updated data later this week.

Because Oregon is one of three states that conduct elections entirely by mail, they'll automatically get a ballot before the next election.